Art Basel is about to capture the minds and imagination of Miami. The self-billed "most prestigious art show in the Americas" showcases art by more than 2,000 artists. Art is everywhere -- on the sides of buildings, in parks, in tents and galleries, and at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
In order to see everything there is to see, you'll need dedication, a good pair of walking shoes, and some fuel in the tank. And by fuel, we mean food and drink.
We've come up with a list of restaurants to match every Art Basel scenario you might run into. We've also included a "Cheap & Quick Eats" section so you can grab a nosh on your way to explore a zombie-art installation or live performance art by a band of pirate women clad in Saran Wrap, or something like that.
The convention center is the official hub of all things Art Basel and a good place to start your art crawls. Whether you're looking for a bite before you begin your day, a midday meal, or a late-night snack, here are a few suggestions for your eating and drinking pleasure.
Best Restaurant for Hipsters - Pubbelly
You
just know this is going to be the hipster go-to joint on the beach this
year. Fight for one of the three dozen seats at this teeny palace of
pork and down a craft beer while waiting for your McBelly ($6). Can't
find a seat or pork not kosher with you (pun intended)? Hop to one of
Pubbelly's sister restaurants -- Pubbelly Sushi for inventive seafood or Barceloneta for tapas on the same block. 1418 20th Street, Miami Beach
Best New Restaurant - The Dutch
Though
newly opened, Chef Andrew Carmellini's bistro feels like it's been
around for years, with its inviting whitewashed brick walls, Florida
memorabilia, and antiqued bar mirrors. Though the dining room is lovely,
we suggest you find a spot at the bar, order up a dozen oysters ($3
each) from the raw bar and take in the mix of locals and tourists. Now
that's performance art. 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
Best Post-Party Restaurant - Chow Down Grill
If
you're still hungry after that reception that served up uninspired
cheese cubes to go with their inspired art (who knew chimpanzees could
paint so well with their feet?) then head over to Chow Down Grill for a
late night bite. Chef Joshua Marcus serves up fare that would make any
Chinatown joint jealous. Feast on steamed pork dumplings ($6.95), LoMein
with your choice of proteins ($12.95), or a real bowl of ramen noodles
($12.95) until 4 a.m. Nightly events like Sweet & Low Tuesdays,
Munch Wednesdays (ladies drink free from 10 p.m. - 1 a.m.) and Dig Sum
Dim Sum Burlesque on Sundays make sure you're entertained with your meal. 920 Alton Road, Miami Beach
Best Respite From South Beach Types - Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
If
you're tired of the South Beach scene, head into this oasis. As if by
magic, you're transported to the deep south -- where Elvis on Black
Velvet is still considered art. Munch out on Mama's Chicken Biscuits
($11), Fried Green Tomato BLT ($12), or a heaping plate of shrimp 'n
grits ($19) before heading back to the gallery to contemplate the giant paper mache grasshopper that's meant to signify the collapse of the post-classic Mayan
civilization. 1600 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach
Best Place to Hobnob With the Elite - Cecconi's
Soho
Beach House is the site of many an A-list party during Art Basel,
including fetes for Swarovski, Phillips de Pury and David Zwirner. If
you can't score an invite, sidle up to a seat at Cecconi's tiki bar or snag a
table for dinner and watch the art crowd air-kiss each other. 4385 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
Best Place When Someone Else Is Paying - Prime One Twelve
You've
just plunked down a cool quarter mil on a giant bronze Hello Kitty
sculpture and the gallery owner wants to spring for dinner. Prime One Twelve's still the king when someone else is
picking up the check. Start with a shrimp cocktail ($8 per crustacean)
before your porterhouse arrives ($88), as you ponder the perfect place
to put the giant pussy you purchased. 112 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Best Color-Themed Meal - Tudor House Rose Brunch
Miami Beach is so ahead of the times, we're doing Sunday Brunch on Saturday. Since every party needs a theme - why not think pink? Tudor House is launching their new Rose Brunch and chef/owner Geoffrey Zakarian will be on hand for the first soiree this Saturday, December 3rd. The brunch features A La Carte breakfast favorites, a large selection of Rose wines, and a DJ accompanied by live music. See your meal through rose colored glasses from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 1111 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
Cheap & Quick Eats
Best Quickie Breakfast - Taste Bakery Cafe
Fuel
up for a long day of gallery walks at Taste. The no-frills bagel joints
offer cappuccinos, lattes, egg sandwiches, and salads. A bagel and
coffee at Taste is cheaper than a Starbucks beverage - that's a deal in
the heart of South Beach. 920 Alton Road, Miami Beach & 1686 Jefferson Avenue, Miami Beach
Best Scenery - Collins Park Cafe
This pop-up cafe is located directly opposite The Bass Museum of Art
in Collins Park as part of Art Basel. The cafe is open Wednesday -
Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and serves a selection of sandwiches,
beverages, and pastries from Atelier Monnier. Collins Avenue between 21st and 22nd Street, Miami Beach
Best Deal on Lincoln Road - Spris
Located
on Lincoln Road, Spris invites you to beat the clock for your pizza.
Every day from 5:30 - 7 p.m. (weekends included) your wood-fired pizza
is the same price as the time you ordered it (for instance, order a
pizza at 5:30, it's $5.30; order at 6:50, it's $6.50). Choose from one
of three shareable pizzas: Margherita, Diavalo with spicy salami, or
Genovese with olives and pesto. Share a Caesar salad ($6) and a pitcher
of Peroni ($10), and a late lunch or early dinner comes in around $20
for two before tax and tip. 731 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
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